Seventeen (17) weeks ago at Magic City Morning Star I commenced publishing the "What's in the Book Basket This Week?" series of articles. Those articles are published every Sunday and in them I record what books have been reviewed by our reviewers during the previous week; provide links to articles sent to us by various authors and published by us during that week, and as well I publish the publicity material (including book cover photograph) for a number of new book releases.

During this time I have noticed that we get a lot of material publicizing Christian books and so as of today, I shall be publishing a separate weekly 'Christian Book Basket' on Wednesdays.

Authors please note: We have no regular contributor to the 'Christianity' Section at Magic City, and you are most welcome to help us provide Christian material, exhortation, teaching or sharing of any kind. We offer all authors a "no-pay no charge" self-promotions offer in which authors are invited to provide suitable material for publishing that does not need to be related to their books but within which we provide their bios, book cover photographs and links to purchase pages.

Publicists can assist their clients to immediately get listed in this book basket by providing appropriate publicity material, bio's and book cover photographs rather than sending two lines of text and expecting me to go do the research.

Welcome to our first 'Christian Book Basket' at Magic City Morning Star.

New historical fiction compares this well-known Biblical story to society today. According to CNN, a 4,000-year-old tablet containing a message similar to that of the Biblical story, "Noah's Ark" was recently discovered in modern-day Iraq. Are the past, present and future coming together?

Devout Christian Sharon Harp Gregory's new historical fiction, "Foreshadows," draws compelling connections between life before the Flood of Noah and life now as a means to predict where our present world is headed, based on the author's findings after 8 years of research. "I love reading and studying the Bible," Gregory says. "I got to thinking about how Noah and his family must have felt to be the only ones to survive a major catastrophe that took away not only everyone they knew, but changed their whole world."

"Foreshadows" explores similarities between people who lived before the flood of Noah and people in today's society. Parallels depicted in the book include man's inhumanity to man, depravity and greed, lust for power and wealth, and rejection of God. As told through authentic, vibrant and realistic characters, Gregory's new book is meant to provide readers with the means to contemplate their own views on God and man's beginnings. "I designed 'Foreshadows' to be entertaining," Gregory says. "But I also wanted to challenge people to consider how the evils of today are like those in Noah's day, bringing judgment upon the unbelieving civilization whose spiritual depravity belied their superior intellect."

Sharon, a native-born Idahoan and oldest of six children, spent her younger years in several tiny logging towns scattered amongst the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The quiet, slow-paced life she experienced as a child developed within her a love for writing and art. When her father left logging to become a long-haul truck driver, he moved the family to Boise, Idaho where she finished her education and married. She and her husband currently live in Boise, where they run an in-home Christian day care. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.

Children's Minister, author Phyllis Gordon, writes her first book explaining the end of times prophecy, found in the Bible, for children, teens and even adults.

"What's Next for the People of Earth?" educates the readers on the Book of Revelation and contains the explanation of characteristics between God and Satan.

"This book discusses the events that will take place on earth and it's people according to God," Gordon said. "It includes segments at the end of each chapter which recapture what the reader just read to help them remember and learn."

This commentary discusses many religious themes including the battle between good and evil, the idea of Satan tricking and deceiving those who are not prepared and the reasons why humanity's only hope for a better future is to trust Jesus Christ.

"My goal is to help eliminate questions that children and teens have concerning the Book of Revelation and Satan," Gordon said.

Phyllis Gordon is a loving mother and wife. Enjoys sports, cake decorating and photography. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and has her certification in Preschool and Children's Ministry from Campbell University and the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

CHICAGO -- For 20 years, David G. Duggan wrote inspiring columns in Christian publications. These essays are now published in a book exploring God's intersection with everyday life.

"Glimpses of Grace" is a collection of faith-based reflections on God's influence in the life of a practicing lawyer, single parent, son of aging parents, and sinner. Duggan's essays explain how he has found meaning in life's events and learned to trust God through life's uncertainties.

"Shedding their layer of dust, these columns withstand the test of time," Duggan said. "By adding updated commentary and arranging articles according to biblical narrative, the book now tells a deeper and powerful story."

Duggan hopes his readers will find solace in the book's message that others struggle with the Christian faith and yet find the strength to continue along a spiritual path.

Faith topics discussed in the nearly 50 columns include, but are not limited to, self- offering, redemption, vocation and growing old in the faith.

A retired lawyer and part-time community activist, David G. Duggan wrote essays in "Glimpses of Grace" over the span of many years for outlets such as The Living Church and Anglican Advance. He lives in Chicago, plays golf and tennis, cycles, gardens and tries to keep out of trouble. He has one son, with a recently completed master's degree in business administration, who lives in Los Angeles.

Berkeley Divinity School graduate and retired priest, Bill Brison, writes his new book "Judas Beloved Disciple" to discontinue injustice beliefs about Judas, a disciple mentioned in the Bible. He believes Judas has been misjudge and mislabeled for more than 2000 years.

"Bill Brison's book on Judas brings to bear on this deepest enigma of the New Testament story both a sharp academic skill and a bold imagination," Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, said. "He makes us read the texts in a fresh and very challenging way."

Bill Brison, b. 1929, 1/8 American Indian; Alfred University NY, B Sc. '51; Berkeley Divinity School, New Haven CT; M Div; STM; Deacon 1957, Priest 1957; served in two parishes in the Episcopal Church USA. Archdeacon of New Haven CT; served in three parishes in the Church of England from 1972; Archdeacon of Bolton, Manchester UK.

Co-author with Peggy Brison of "A Tale of Two Visits to Chechnya"; ecclesiastical distinction of being the only person made an archdeacon in these two branches of the Anglican Communion; this is mitigated by the debate among medieval theologians as to whether it is possible for an archdeacon to be admitted to heaven; thus Bill Brison is in double jeopardy relying on the wideness of God's mercy.

DENVER-- Caleb MacDonald faithfully knows how coming calamities are going to affect Americans. Inspired by 25 illustrative visions he received from God, MacDonald's latest book "America's Resurrection" is a U.S. citizen's guide to surviving future misfortunes and making amends with God before disaster strikes. "These judgments involve every person in America. Everyone will be affected," MacDonald said.

MacDonald, who has had a life-long personal relationship with God, provides insight on the nature of the future disasters and rationale on why they are going to take place.

He draws from scripture and his prophetic gift to offer believers hope in surviving the comprehensive, precise and authentic prophecies that have already begun to transpire.

"America's Resurrection" delivers a prophetic look into the future and encourages those who seek refuge to begin preparing immediately for the forthcoming disasters.

Caleb MacDonald has an Associate of Arts Degree in ministerial studies from Christ For the Nations Institute and is also an award-winning fine arts professional photographer. He currently resides in Aurora, Colo.

In Adam, author Dr. R. C. Besteder studies the behavior of this first human being on earth, created by God as a perfect being. Besteder provides a comprehensive look into his life, the ways that his creation relates to modern society, and the messages his life communicates for humans today.

This study bridges a gap between nations and religions through Adam and shows how his existence touches every aspect of our lives. Through biblical references and Scripture, Besteder uses the life of Adam as a basis of education for topics relevant for contemporary living, such as racism, marriage, sexuality, faith, and capital punishment.

Besteder shows how our knowledge of Adam gives every individual dignity, significance, and purpose. It helps us to understand why each of us has tremendous potential, and it gives us hope, a desire to take care of our planet, and a reason to be at peace with all the people of our world.

R. C. Besteder is a graduate of two colleges and holds three graduate degrees. He has served as senior pastor of six churches over the course of twenty-one years and was a chaplain in the USAF for twenty-one years as well, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Besteder and his wife, Elaine, have two children and one grandson. They live in Deland, Florida.

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. -- An iconic, important book like the Bible can seem daunting to start reading or studying. Concepts and passages can be misunderstood or seem overwhelming without the proper guidance or framework. Evelyn Theresa Watson, a longtime scholar of the Bible, is seeking to clarify the meaning and context of biblical prophecy with "Historical Phases of Prophetic Teaching." Based on her forty years of research and study, these books verify biblical prophecy within its historical context.

"My book provides ways to gain spiritual insight into the Bible's message to enable the reader to fulfill the promise of their life with God," she said.

The recently released first volume provides in-depth historical analysis of the Bible's statutory code of ethics, and helps both the average person and biblical scholars study Old and New Testament doctrine more effectively. Watson includes translations, definitions, references and charts to clarify specific passages of the authorized principles that constitute the statutory code of ethics.

"People will learn how to minister unto themselves and others with the words and works of God," Watson said. "By accepting the positive teaching of the Gospel, they will overcome the negative teaching of the Scriptures and see how to break down the religious barriers between people and nations." She has seen the power of God work in her life and the blessings incurred through reliance on His Word. With the tools in "Historical Phases of Prophetic Teaching," she is showing others a practical way to experience God's presence and power in their lives as well.

Evelyn Theresa Watson's forty years of biblical research and twenty-two years of ministerial service led to her spiritual insight into biblical prophecy. Her years of study inspired her to write a commentary presenting the Bible's enduring message of preceptive prophecy and its relevancy to the global challenges of the twenty-first century. She is a life-long resident of western New York. You can find more information at http://bibleunderstood.com

The nationally known pastor, Mark Driscoll, said, "As men, we bear a greater burden before God for the well-being of our families and our church."

Author Carlton Arnold believes this concept whole-heartedly and exudes this motto in his own life. After writing three general devotion books, he wanted to write one specifically for his gender in order to challenge his fellow men.

Arnold's new book, "Life-Changing Verses About Men," provides real life applications that associate specific Bible passages with the expected behavior of a Christian man.

Carlton Lee Arnold: I have experienced worship in many churches, having lived in six states. I have been involved with mentoring men for over thirty years. All of the above has allowed me to get to know people and their problems. I currently live in Cumming, Georgia, with my wife of forty-four years.

"Outside the Camp: The Wisdom, Humility, and Power of the Church" by Colin Brown

Colin Brown knows firsthand the Lord moves in powerful and purposeful ways. In his new book "Outside the Camp: The Wisdom, Humility, and Power of the Church," author Colin Brown provides a prophetic perspective of the revival and changing landscape of the Christian church.

"The Holy Spirit is bringing about a spiritual awakening and shift that is no longer sin focused but grace focused," Brown said. "This is what is intended for the church."

Brown, who has actively served and ministered God's message for 18 years, offers timely, central perspectives on the emerging reformation of the Christian church. He draws on scripture, prophetic insights and prayers to write a fresh perspective for believers who seek confirmation of God's hand throughout the world.

"Outside the Camp" provides the courage, wisdom and strength that Brown said the church lacks but desperately needs.

Colin Brown is the founder of the Australian Christian ministry Outside the Camp, where he directly oversees Grace Church, Iron Sharpers Iron, Kingdom's Call and other Christian organizations. He resides in Tasmania with his wife.

Dr. John A. Howard, a World War II veteran, former university professor and former member of several White House committees believes that America's Christian heritage is what made it great. In his book "Christianity: Lifeblood of American Society," Dr. Howard lays out his reasons for why Christianity made America successful and how it can return to this success. Can I send you a copy of the book?

This book examines the Christian heritage of America throughout its history, surveying the founding fathers fight to establish a free society, the impact of the Great Awakening up through the Civil War, and the slow decline of Christianitys influence since the end of World War II. The author also presents some thoughts on how our modern-day culture can be turned back toward a reliance on God and the Christian principles of the Bible.

In 1945, John Howard returned from World War II service in the First Infantry Division with two silver stars, two purple hearts, and a commitment to use his career to sustain and strengthen Americas religious ideals, for which many of his friends had fought and died. During the Eisenhower Administration, he headed the first program using government contracts to open jobs for qualified minority applicants. He was also a member of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse.

Dr. Howard served as President of Rockford College for seventeen years; he served as the National President of the American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities for three years; he currently serves as senior fellow at The Howard Center on Family, Religion, and Society. Over forty of his presentations have been published in Vital Speeches, a monthly publication offering transcripts of noteworthy speeches in the fields of business, politics, education, government, and more. John and his wife, Jan, have four children and nine grandchildren. (Read More Note: There are two different book covers depending on which publisher's copy you receive.)